Once your citizenship has been approved after successfully finishing the interview and exam process, you're ready for the oath ceremony. This post will address any questions you may have about the specifics of the ceremony.
Prior to the Ceremony You will acquire a letter from USCIS ("Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony") updating you of the date and time of your ceremony. If you aren't able to go to the scheduled oath ceremony, it's important to send the notice back to USCIS along with a letter detailing your unavailability. USCIS will then send you another notice with a new date and time for your ceremony.
On the day of your ceremony, go to the issued place and check in with USCIS. There will probably be others there who will be waiting to take the oath as well, so it is advised that you come in advance. It is also encouraged that you dress appropriately for the event, as it is a formal ceremony. Do not wear jeans, flip-flops, a t-shirt, or other such casual clothing.
Before the ceremony begins, you need to return your Permanent Resident Card. Once you've been sworn in, you'll attain a Certificate of Naturalization which replaces your Permanent Resident Card.
If your ceremony is not on the same day as your interview, you will be asked a couple of questions about your activities since the completion of the interview. These questions are published on the back of the Notice of Naturalization of Oath Ceremony. Make certain you comprehend the questions and are prepared to answer them.
Immediately prior to taking the oath, you will be told to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the national anthem. You will be given both the pledge and the anthem in writing at the ceremony, so it is not necessary to memorize them.
Taking the Oath Taking the Oath of Allegiance is necessary prior to being considered a legal U.S. citizen. The presiding officer will read you the oath sentence by sentence and will request you to repeat after him. The oath is as follows:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.
If you object to any of the above clauses due to your religious values, you can inquire to take a altered version of the oath which excludes these sections. For example, if you can generate significant evidence that your religion prevents you from bearing arms or using other forms of violent force, you will not have to say that you will "bear arms on behalf of the United States." To obtain a altered oath, you must present a letter with your original application for citizenship (N-400). You must explain which sections you object to and why, and present documentation from your religious establishment as confirmation of your beliefs.
Following the Oath Congratulations! You are now officially regarded as U.S. citizen. Following the oath, you will hear a recorded message from the President of the United States congratulating you on your new status as a citizen. You will also receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as physical proof of your citizenship.
While it is not absolutely necessary, it is suggested that you update your social security record as soon as possible following your ceremony. Your social security record establishes that you are authorized to work in the United States and allows you to obtain benefits from the government. The earlier it is updated, the sooner you will acquire the full benefits of citizenship. You can either call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov to find your nearest Social Security Administration office. You are also recommended to submit an application for a U.S. passport soon after the oath ceremony.
Prior to the Ceremony You will acquire a letter from USCIS ("Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony") updating you of the date and time of your ceremony. If you aren't able to go to the scheduled oath ceremony, it's important to send the notice back to USCIS along with a letter detailing your unavailability. USCIS will then send you another notice with a new date and time for your ceremony.
On the day of your ceremony, go to the issued place and check in with USCIS. There will probably be others there who will be waiting to take the oath as well, so it is advised that you come in advance. It is also encouraged that you dress appropriately for the event, as it is a formal ceremony. Do not wear jeans, flip-flops, a t-shirt, or other such casual clothing.
Before the ceremony begins, you need to return your Permanent Resident Card. Once you've been sworn in, you'll attain a Certificate of Naturalization which replaces your Permanent Resident Card.
If your ceremony is not on the same day as your interview, you will be asked a couple of questions about your activities since the completion of the interview. These questions are published on the back of the Notice of Naturalization of Oath Ceremony. Make certain you comprehend the questions and are prepared to answer them.
Immediately prior to taking the oath, you will be told to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the national anthem. You will be given both the pledge and the anthem in writing at the ceremony, so it is not necessary to memorize them.
Taking the Oath Taking the Oath of Allegiance is necessary prior to being considered a legal U.S. citizen. The presiding officer will read you the oath sentence by sentence and will request you to repeat after him. The oath is as follows:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.
If you object to any of the above clauses due to your religious values, you can inquire to take a altered version of the oath which excludes these sections. For example, if you can generate significant evidence that your religion prevents you from bearing arms or using other forms of violent force, you will not have to say that you will "bear arms on behalf of the United States." To obtain a altered oath, you must present a letter with your original application for citizenship (N-400). You must explain which sections you object to and why, and present documentation from your religious establishment as confirmation of your beliefs.
Following the Oath Congratulations! You are now officially regarded as U.S. citizen. Following the oath, you will hear a recorded message from the President of the United States congratulating you on your new status as a citizen. You will also receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as physical proof of your citizenship.
While it is not absolutely necessary, it is suggested that you update your social security record as soon as possible following your ceremony. Your social security record establishes that you are authorized to work in the United States and allows you to obtain benefits from the government. The earlier it is updated, the sooner you will acquire the full benefits of citizenship. You can either call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov to find your nearest Social Security Administration office. You are also recommended to submit an application for a U.S. passport soon after the oath ceremony.
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